How to Get Rid of Termites: Detection & Treatment Guide

There are three main types of termites homeowners encounter: subterranean, drywood, and dampwood. Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive in the U.S. Workers are creamy white and about 1/8 inch long. Soldiers have larger heads with powerful mandibles. Reproductive swarmers are dark brown to black with two pairs of equal-length wings.

Drywood termites live entirely within the wood they consume and do not need soil contact. They are slightly larger than subterranean termites and produce distinctive dry, hexagonal fecal pellets. Dampwood termites are the largest species and infest wood with high moisture content.

Termites are often confused with flying ants, especially during swarming season. Key differences: termites have straight antennae (ants have elbowed antennae), termites have a thick waist (ants have a narrow waist), and termite wings are equal in length (ant forewings are longer than hindwings). If you see a swarm near your home, collect a few specimens for professional identification.

Termite damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe because these insects eat wood from the inside out. Look for mud tubes on foundation walls, crawl space piers, or along plumbing - these pencil-width tubes are highways subterranean termites build to travel between soil and food sources.

Other warning signs include wood that sounds hollow when tapped, sagging or buckling floors, doors and windows that suddenly stick or no longer close properly, and small piles of what looks like sawdust near baseboards (drywood termite frass). Paint that appears bubbly or uneven may also indicate termite activity beneath the surface.

Spring swarms are a major red flag. If you see winged termites (or discarded wings near windows and light fixtures) inside your home, there is almost certainly an established colony nearby. Outdoor swarms near the foundation are also concerning. Even a few shed wings indoors warrant a professional inspection.

Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage annually in the United States. Unlike fire or storm damage, termite damage is rarely covered by homeowners insurance because it is considered a maintenance issue. This makes prevention and early detection critical for protecting your investment.

Structural damage from termites can compromise the safety of a building. Over months and years, termites hollow out structural timbers, floor joists, wall studs, and roof rafters. In severe cases, floors can collapse, walls can buckle, and the structural integrity of the entire home can be compromised. Repair costs for advanced termite damage frequently reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Beyond structural wood, termites can damage books, paper, insulation, swimming pool liners, and even filtration systems. Subterranean termites can also damage living trees and shrubs, though they primarily target dead wood and cellulose materials.

Termite control is one pest problem where professional treatment is almost always necessary. The stakes are simply too high - missing a colony or applying treatment incorrectly can lead to continued structural damage costing thousands of dollars. DIY termite products available at hardware stores are generally inadequate for addressing an active infestation.

The one area where homeowners can be proactive is monitoring. You can install termite monitoring stations around your home's perimeter and inspect them regularly for activity. Borate-treated wood can be used in new construction or renovations as a preventive measure. Fixing moisture problems (leaky faucets, poor drainage) also removes conditions that attract termites.

Always call a professional if: you find mud tubes, discover damaged wood, see a termite swarm inside your home, or are buying/selling a property (most lenders require a termite inspection). Professional treatments include liquid soil treatments (termiticides), bait station systems, and spot treatments for drywood termites. Most reputable companies offer warranties on their work, which is essential for ongoing protection.

Moisture control is the single most important termite prevention step. Fix leaky plumbing and faucets, ensure proper drainage away from your foundation (gutters, downspout extensions, grading), and keep crawl spaces well-ventilated. Subterranean termites need moisture to survive, so eliminating water sources near your foundation dramatically reduces risk.

Maintain a gap between soil and wood components of your home. Keep mulch, firewood, and lumber at least 20 feet from the foundation. Trim vegetation so it does not touch the house. Ensure siding, door frames, and window frames do not contact soil. In crawl spaces, remove any wood debris and ensure at least 18 inches of clearance between soil and structural wood.

Schedule annual professional termite inspections, especially if you live in a high-risk area (the southern and southeastern United States have the highest termite pressure). Many pest control companies offer annual inspection plans that include monitoring stations. For new construction, consider pre-treatment of the soil and use of termite-resistant building materials where possible.

Professional termite treatment costs vary widely based on the type of treatment, size of the home, and severity of the infestation. Liquid soil treatments (barrier treatments) typically cost $3-$16 per linear foot, or $1,500-$4,000 for an average home. Bait station systems cost $800-$3,000 for initial installation plus $300-$500 annually for monitoring.

Fumigation (tenting) for drywood termites ranges from $1,200-$2,500 for a small home to $3,500-$7,500 or more for larger properties. Localized spot treatments for drywood termites are more affordable at $200-$1,000 per area. Factor in the cost of annual inspections ($75-$150) and potential repair costs. Many companies offer bundled treatment-and-monitoring packages with annual renewals and damage warranties, which provide the best long-term value.

See our full Termite Treatment Cost Guide for detailed pricing by method.